—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—
 
JAMAICA, New York (January 12, 2012) – In a press release issued today, the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) condemned the behavior of U.S. Marines who were filmed urinating on the bodies of dead Afghani people.

“We are appalled and outraged by the apparent inhumane treatment by these soldiers of the Afghani dead,” said Zahid Bukhari, President of ICNA. “The desecration of human bodies is an abhorrent act that is a complete violation of American military regulations. The Obama administration must launch a thorough investigation into this incident and prosecute the guilty troops for their deplorable behavior.
The actions of this group completely undermine the work of our servicemen and women and are contradictory to the values of the American people. Such acts only serve to further distort the image of America and greatly endanger the lives of our troops and civilians abroad.
ICNA calls upon all political leaders, including Republican presidential hopefuls, to condemn this act. We also urge the Obama administration to address the issue of Islamophobia in the military. We must send a message to the world that such immoral conduct and utter disrespect for the sanctity of life and the human body will not be tolerated by America.”